USP residents want former Primera space to become a meeting point

The housing boards joined forces earlier this year to found the Housing Board Association (WBV). Now, they are urging the municipality and the university to ensure people living in Utrecht Science Park (USP) have a meeting space. In a statement, the housing boards say they wish for an accessible space without commercial intent.

According to WBV, USP residents must have a place where they can have “a nice chat over a cup of coffee”. The space should also operate in the evening and on weekends. WBV argues that having such a space would make it easier for them to organise activities such as game nights, courses, and cultural performances.

WSP is eyeing the vacant retail space on Coïmbrapad, opposite Spar. Office supply store Primera occupied the space until last summer. The housing boards would like to develop a plan for the space, where they would organise activities in collaboration with two partner organisations. When Primera vacated the premises, USP residents were frustrated about the sudden absence of a package pick-up point. WSP argues that the meeting spot could serve such a function, too.

Residents have complained about the lack of facilities in Utrecht Science Park for years. Students often complain about the lack of a large and affordable supermarket, but other facilities also leave much to be desired. According to the housing boards, this situation contributes to students' poor mental health. Almost 40 percent of those living in Utrecht Science Park struggle with mental health problems, according to a report by the municipality, published in 2022.

In WBV's view, the university's reaction to municipal council discussions about facilities in USP was inadequate. During these meetings, municipal council members mentioned the lack of affordable catering establishments that are open late in the evening and on weekends. They also advocated for more terraces at USP. According to them, Utrecht Science Park is in danger of becoming a problem district, given its residents' mental health struggles.

The university says it understands the concerns expressed by the politicians in the municipal council, but argues that the campus has too few residents to justify a full range of shops, catering establishments, and entertainment venues. "These are long-term processes that would bring about improvements," states UU. "It takes generations."

However, WBV does not want to wait that long. They argue that current residents also have a right to appropriate facilities.